New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - Hall of Fame lineman Art Shell was hired by the National Football League on Thursday to handle player appeals of on-field disciplinary action.

Shell, who was a star tackle with the Raiders and later became the first black head coach in the modern NFL, was named appeals officer by commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

NFL director of football operations Gene Washington hands out all the on-field disciplinary actions. The appeals, which are allowed under the league's collective bargaining agreement, had been heard by Tagliabue or a designee in the past.

Shell has worked for the NFL for the past year on college relations issues, a job he will continue to hold.